Finland's 8 Best Sauna Experiences on the Islands
1. Villa Järvelä – Ice-Swimming Year-Round
This hidden gem is located just a stone's throw from Turku city centre. Villa Järvelä offers multiple traditional wood-heated saunas by a lake, where visitors can swim year-round — or dip in a hot tub. Järvelä offers options for those brave enough to try ice-swimming, and with the world’s first “ice room”, you can try swimming in winter conditions even during summer.
How to book: Open daily. Walk-in, no reservation needed.
How to get there: Located in Turku, approximately 20 minutes by car from the city centre. Address: Järveläntie 133, 20540 Turku.
Price range: €12 per adult.
2. Kakola Spa – Immersive Sauna Experience
Set within the historic Kakola area, the modern spa invites you to slow down and focus on yourself – perfect for a vacation for relaxation and forgetting the stress of everyday. The modern spa features four saunas, four pools, and a stylish poolside restaurant, inviting adults to relax in a peaceful atmosphere.
How to book: Open daily. Book in advance via the website.
How to get there: Located on Kakolanmäki Hill in Turku, in the historic Kakola area. Entrance via the inner courtyard of Graniittilinna, near Restaurant Kakolanruusu.
Price range: From €39 per person (Mon–Thu), €44 per person (Fri–Sun).
3. Saunalautta Turku – A Sauna Floating in the River
Saunalautta offers a sauna on a floating raft almost in the center of Turku. Groups can rent the raft, enjoy the wood-heated sauna, and large roof terrace. You can also paddle on sup boards or jump into the sea for a swim. It’s a modern, social way to experience Finnish sauna culture — with the city skyline as a backdrop.
How to book: Book in advance via the website.
How to get there: Located on the Aura River in central Turku, near the Föri ferry.
Price range: €715 / 4 hours (max. 12 people).
4. Herrankukkaro – The World’s Largest Smoke Sauna
The old fishing village of Herrankukkaro is home to the world’s largest smoke sauna — built underground and heated by wood. The site also includes smaller saunas carved into stone, seawater pools, and outdoor cooking areas open to groups. You can enjoy the saunas at Herrankukkaro during smoke sauna events, which are held throughout the year
How to book: Available through private group bookings, hosted smoke sauna events, or summer overnight stays.
How to get there: Located in Rymättylä, Naantali, approximately 40 minutes by car from Turku. Address: Luotojentie 245, 21140 Naantali.
Price range: €65 per person (hosted events, held year-round).
5. Söderlångvik – Japandi-Style Sauna on a Historic Estate
On Kimitoön Island, Söderlångvik Manor’s sauna combines Nordic and Japanese design influences — simple, functional, with a beautiful view of the apple orchards. The sauna faces the lake and fits naturally into its historic setting of the manor of Finnish businessman and patron of the arts Amos Anderson. On the estate there’s a museum with art exhibitions, a shop, and a restaurant. The manor is surrounded by a park with gardens and nature paths.
How to book: Open Monday–Friday in Jan-April & Oct-Dec and Monday-Sunday in May-Sep. Book in advance via the website (max. 8 guests/sauna, 2 saunas in the building).
How to get there: Located on Kimitoön Island, approximately 100 km from Turku. Address: Amos Anderson tie 2, 25870 Dragsfjärd.
Price range: €25 per person
6. Villa Wolax – Archipelago Sauna by the Sea
Villa Wolax is a former noble villa that offers its guests peace, maritime experiences, and memorable moments in the heart of beautiful the Kuusisto are, 25 min drive from Turku city centre. Commodore’s atmospheric waterfront villa invites you to unwind – the wood-fired sauna is warm, the outdoor hot tubs await, and in the winter, ice swimming offers a refreshing experience.
How to book: Available on Fridays only from January to March, and during summer in connection with events. Book in advance. Private rentals also available
How to get there: Located in the Kuusisto area, approximately 25 minutes by car from Turku. Also accessible by bus from Turku Market Square.
Price range: €42 per person (includes dinner).
7. Kasnäs – Barrel Sauna by the Shore
At the southern tip of Kimitoön Island, Kasnäs offers multiple sauna experiences. One highlight is the seaside barrel sauna where you can step straight from steam into the Baltic Sea. Large windows open toward the water, creating an authentic island sauna experience year-round. The location also connects easily to ferries heading toward Rosala and Bengtskär Lighthouse.
How to book: Open daily. Can be booked at the spa reception.
How to get there: Located at the southern tip of Kimitoön Island, with ferry connections towards Rosala and Bengtskär Lighthouse. Details coming soon.
Price range: €40 / 2 hours.
8. Saunaravintola Kaarna – A Modern Restaurant and Sauna
By the shore of Kuusistonsalmi in Kaarina, Kaarna offers a public seaside sauna just 20 minutes from Turku. Cool off on the terrace or swim at Hovirinta beach, with ice swimming in winter. Stay for seasonal food and drinks at the on-site restaurant.
How to book: Book in advance via the website. Wristbands are collected from the restaurant kiosk upon arrival.
How to get there: Located at Hovirinta beach in Kaarina, approximately 20 minutes by car from Turku city centre.
Price range: From approx. €10 per adult (please check current prices and opening hours online).
Read more about the Finnish sauna etiquette and way of life:
What is Saaristo?
Saaristo is one of the largest archipelagos in the world, with its 40,000 islands stretching along Finland’s southwestern coast. The starting point to Saaristo is Turku, Finland’s oldest city established in 1229. You can easily arrive in Turku via Turku’s own airport, by ferry from abroad, or by bus or train from elsewhere in Finland.
